CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's Anoop Desai is about to find out if he's a finalist on Fox's "American Idol."
The University of North Carolina graduate sang "Angel of Mine" on the show Tuesday night. He was among a group of 12, of whom three will be chosen for the finals on Wednesday.
The judges were lukewarm on Desai's performance but said they were still fans. Paula Abdul said "America has connected with you in a large way." Simon Cowell said the song was too grown-up for the 22-year-old.
Even if he doesn't win Wednesday, Desai could be chosen in a final results show in a few weeks, when the judges pick their three favorites for the group of 12 finalists. The public will choose the other nine.
Danny Gokey was proclaimed the "Hero" of "American Idol."
Three of the show's four judges heaped praise on the 28-year-old church music director from Milwaukee on Tuesday, following his rendition of the Mariah Carey tune "Hero" at the end of the Fox singing competition's first show of season eight.
"You are the hero, man," said Kara DioGuardi. "You give us all hope. You were great."
Gokey was the last to perform in a group of 12 singers out of the top 36 semifinalists. The judges directed their harshest criticism at Stephen Fowler, Casey Carlson and Stevie Wright, who Simon Cowell said had "zero" chance of advancing to the next round. The top three vote-getters will be revealed during Wednesday's live episode.
UNC Clef Hangers Perform "Angel of Mine" with Anoop Desai as Soloist
The University of North Carolina graduate sang "Angel of Mine" on the show Tuesday night. He was among a group of 12, of whom three will be chosen for the finals on Wednesday.
The judges were lukewarm on Desai's performance but said they were still fans. Paula Abdul said "America has connected with you in a large way." Simon Cowell said the song was too grown-up for the 22-year-old.
Even if he doesn't win Wednesday, Desai could be chosen in a final results show in a few weeks, when the judges pick their three favorites for the group of 12 finalists. The public will choose the other nine.
Danny Gokey was proclaimed the "Hero" of "American Idol."
Three of the show's four judges heaped praise on the 28-year-old church music director from Milwaukee on Tuesday, following his rendition of the Mariah Carey tune "Hero" at the end of the Fox singing competition's first show of season eight.
"You are the hero, man," said Kara DioGuardi. "You give us all hope. You were great."
Gokey was the last to perform in a group of 12 singers out of the top 36 semifinalists. The judges directed their harshest criticism at Stephen Fowler, Casey Carlson and Stevie Wright, who Simon Cowell said had "zero" chance of advancing to the next round. The top three vote-getters will be revealed during Wednesday's live episode.
UNC Clef Hangers Perform "Angel of Mine" with Anoop Desai as Soloist
